Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs News

Volk Field opens its doors to the public

June 4, 2012By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonWisconsin National Guard

Approximately 2,500 people took advantage of the opportunity to see current and vintage military aircraft - parked on
the runway as well as demonstrating aerial capabilities - at the biennial open house at the Wisconsin Air National Guard's
Volk Field Saturday (June 2).

The open house provided the public a first-hand view of what Volk Field Air National Guard Base is all about, according to
Maj. Chris Hansen, open house chairman.

"We're located in a small community area, so it is important that they not only know what takes place here, but understand
why it is such a great location for military training of various facets," Hansen said.

Col. Gary Ebben, base commander, said the open house was a way for Volk Field to give something back to the community.

"One of our primary goals is to be good community partners and neighbors, leveraging our mutual interests," Ebben said. "The
open house allows the community to see the types of capabilities we offer — not only for combat operations, but also for all
hazards domestic response."

Ebben said the open house was "a home run."

"This past Saturday was a total success," Hansen agreed. "The weather could not have been better. We had the opportunity to
educate many members of the general aviation community on different flying practices, as well as offer a great display of
aircraft and other military memorabilia to our visitors."

Nearly 40 general aviation aircraft flew in to experience landing at a military base. Seventeen aircraft were on display,
to include a B-1 Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Milwaukee-based 128th
Air Refueling Wing, an F-16 Falcon from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing, and a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from the
Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Battalion.

An F-86 Sabre, a Korean War-vintage fighter jet that was to be part of the open house's salute to the Korean War, cancelled
its appearance due to maintenance issues. The Wisconsin National Guard Museum on post as well as other static displays
focused on the Korean War.

The open house featured 22 exhibits, ranging from a vintage military ambulance to a K-9 police dog. The Wisconsin National
Guard's 54th Civil Support Team and the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle were also on
hand to explain their missions to the public. L39 Albatros Czechoslovakian trainer jets, stunt planes and a Commemorative
Air Force B-25 Mitchell — a World War II-era bomber — took part in flying demonstrations. A "5K on the Runway" run/walk
event was also held.

"By all indications, everyone attending had a very enjoyable experience," Ebben said. "However, the success did not happen
by chance. Credit goes to a great open house committee chaired by Maj. Chris Hansen. The pride of base personnel in this
project was obvious."

Click For High Resolution Image

A vintage B-25 Mitchell - a World War II bomber - takes a celebratory lap following an aerial demonstration Saturday
(June 2) at the Wisconsin Air National Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center open house. Various
military and civilian aircraft were on display, as well as vintage military ground vehicles. An hour-long flying
demonstration showcased acrobatic and precision flying skills. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt.
Vaughn R. Larson

Gary Otto, of the Wisconsin Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, assists 3-year-old Adam Ganther of Necedah, Wis.,
into the cockpit of a North American SNJ-5, a vintage World War II training aircraft. The Wisconsin Air National
Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center opened its doors to the public Saturday (June 2) for an open
house. Various military and civilian aircraft were on display, such as the SNJ-5, as well as vintage military
ground vehicles. An hour-long flying demonstration showcased acrobatic and precision flying skills. Wisconsin National
Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

Leah Renaud, 11, of Tomah, Wis., checks out the cockpit of a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from the Madison-based 1st
Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, Saturday (June 2). The Wisconsin Air National Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness
Training Center opened its doors to the public for an open house. Various military and civilian aircraft were on
display, as well as vintage military ground vehicles. An hour-long flying demonstration showcased acrobatic and
precision flying skills. Wisconsin National
Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

The B-1 Lancer, from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, attracted long lines as the Wisconsin Air National
Guard's Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center opened its doors to the public Saturday (June 2) for an open
house. Various military and civilian aircraft were on display, as well as vintage military ground vehicles. An hour-long
flying demonstration showcased acrobatic and precision flying skills. Wisconsin National
Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson